Newly launched online research network, Research Nexus, is calling for submissions to their essay competition on Wikileaks.

Entrants are asked to write 500-750 words, addressing the following question:

Is the recent treatment of Julian Assange and widespread political condemnation of the WikiLeaks websites a reflection of democracy in decline or the legitimate protection of a state’s security interests?

There is a $1,000 cash prize for the winning essay.

The deadline for entries is Friday 18 March.

A panel, including Swiss writer and philosopher Alain de Botton, Norwegian sociologist and peace researcher Johan Galtung, and other academics, will judge the entries.

Multiple submissions are allowed.

Entrants must register a profile on the site to submit entries to the competition.